Supporting SAS doctors through appraisal

2026/2027 Supporting SAS doctors through appraisal

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Session	Scottish Medical Appraisers Conference sessions
02 (SC)	PARALLEL SESSIONS Supporting Specialty, Associate Specialist, and Specialist (SAS) Doctors Through Appraisal [For Secondary Care (SC) Appraisers] This workshop focuses on supporting SAS doctors through the appraisal process in a way that is consistent, fair and developmental. Using real‑world scenarios, the session will explore the specific contexts SAS doctors work in, common challenges that arise at appraisal, and how appraisers can create constructive, meaningful conversations that support reflection, wellbeing and career development. The workshop will also highlight practical resources and approaches that can be taken into everyday appraisal practice. Aims of session: recognise the key features of SAS roles and how these can influence appraisal discussions identify common challenges SAS doctors may experience in preparing for and engaging with appraisal apply supportive appraisal approaches that promote meaningful reflection and professional development signpost appropriate resources and support to help SAS doctors get the most from appraisal Presenters: Dr Claire Gilroy (Specialty Doctor, Secondary Care Appraiser, NHS Ayrshire & Arran) Dr Lynne Meekison (Associate Postgraduate Dean for SAS, PSDS)

Session

Scottish Medical Appraisers Conference sessions

02 (SC)

PARALLEL SESSIONS

Supporting Specialty, Associate Specialist, and Specialist (SAS) Doctors Through Appraisal
[For Secondary Care (SC) Appraisers]

This workshop focuses on supporting SAS doctors through the appraisal process in a way that is consistent, fair and developmental. Using real‑world scenarios, the session will explore the specific contexts SAS doctors work in, common challenges that arise at appraisal, and how appraisers can create constructive, meaningful conversations that support reflection, wellbeing and career development. The workshop will also highlight practical resources and approaches that can be taken into everyday appraisal practice.

Aims of session:

recognise the key features of SAS roles and how these can influence appraisal discussions
identify common challenges SAS doctors may experience in preparing for and engaging with appraisal
apply supportive appraisal approaches that promote meaningful reflection and professional development
signpost appropriate resources and support to help SAS doctors get the most from appraisal

Presenters:

Dr Claire Gilroy (Specialty Doctor, Secondary Care Appraiser, NHS Ayrshire & Arran)
Dr Lynne Meekison (Associate Postgraduate Dean for SAS, PSDS)

Session summary:

(Generated by AI)

SAS Appraisal Framework: Claire and Lynne explained how appraisers can use annual appraisal to identify SAS doctors’ evidence, development needs and support routes under the 2022 SAS contract, while Claire emphasised practical prompts for constructive conversations.

Specialist Progression Routes: Claire outlined the new Specialist grade, the regrading process and the portfolio pathway, including the evidence, eligibility requirements and development planning that appraisers should discuss with SAS doctors.

SPA And Team Service Planning: the contractual minimum SPA entitlement and team service planning requirements were explained, linking them to equitable job planning and progression towards Specialist or portfolio roles.

SAS Development Funding: Lynne described the SAS Development Fund, the role of local SAS education advisors and the types of development activity that can be supported for substantive SAS doctors.

Practical Appraisal Signposting: Claire provided responses to common appraisal scenarios and identified five recurring questions that appraisers should use to structure discussions with SAS doctors.

Fixed-Term And Non-Training Doctors: a question was raised concerning doctors outside formal training who are employed on short-term contracts, Claire advised appraisers to distinguish temporary career breaks from longer-term SAS roles and to signpost appropriate contractual development.

Supporting SAS doctors through appraisal

Session summary:

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